Sadasiva

Sadashiva (, ), is the Supreme Being in the Shaiva Siddhanta tradition of Hinduism. Sadasiva is the omnipotent, subtle, luminous absolute, the highest manifestation of Shiva. Sadasiva is believed to bestow anugraha and vilaya, or grace and obscuration of pasha, which are the fourth and fifth of the Panchakritya, or the "five holy acts" of Shiva. Sadasiva is usually depicted having five faces and ten hands, and is considered one of the 25 forms of Shiva. Shiva Agamas conclude that the lingam, especially the mukhalingam, is another form of Sadasiva.

== Representation == The concept and form of Sadashiva initially emerged from South India, although many ancient sculptures of Sadashiva were obtained from various parts of India and South East Asia. It is believed that the cult of Sadashiva was widespread in the region of Bengal during the period of Sena dynasty who traced their origin in South India. Sadashiva is usually represented in the form of a Mukhalinga with the number of faces varying from one to five. The first ever sculpture of Sadashiva as a lingam with five faces was found in Bhita, near Prayagraj, and dates to the 2nd century CE. His five faces, Ishana, Tatpurusha, Vamadeva, Aghora and Satyojata are known as Panchabrahmas (five creators), the emanations towards the four directions and upwards from the nishkala (formless) Parashiva. Kamiga Agama, the first Agama of 28 Sivagamas depicts Sadasiva as having five faces and ten arms. His five right hands hold Trishula, Axe, Katvanga, Vajra and Abhaya while his five left hands hold Snake, Matulunga fruit, Nilotpala, Damaru, Rudraksha rosary and Varadam. The consort of Sadasiva is goddess Mahagayatri, a form of Parvati often known as Manonmani in Agamic texts. She is sometimes depicted having two arms and residing in the lap of Sadasiva.